Ifugao Wooden Gong Musical Instrument, Philippines

Description

This rare and little known object is a ceremonial gong conveniently named "bangibang". Its a lovely object with attractive grain which makes distinctive resounding tones when struck! ((( piiing ))) ((( thuug ))) ((( gooong ))) ((( ringgg ))). There are some old collection or Museum numbers in white ink below the handle. An astute collector in the Netherlands who owns one of these wrote me the following. THEY ARE USED BY THE IFUGAO ONLY. BUT ITS NOT AN ORDINARY INSTRUMENT; ITS ONLY PLAYED DURING CEREMONIES ASSOCIATED WITH DEATH, IN CONTRAST WITH GONGS WHICH ARE PLAYED IN EVERY CEREMONY. SO AT FUNERALS AND REVENGE CEREMONIES, AND THAT'S NOT ROMANTICIZING. READ IN BARTON. THEY ARE ACTUALLY VERY RARE INDEED .

Origin: N. Philippines, Luzon, Ifugao People
Period: Very early 20th century
Materials: Narra wood, rattan, cloth